Our history.

The Casper Artists’ Guild (CAG) was founded with five members in 1924 and is one of the oldest arts organizations in Wyoming. During the Great Depression, the members met in the basement of the Townsend Hotel to paint together. If a model was invited in to pose, adults were paid .50 for the evening; children received .10 from every member in attendance.

In the 1930’s and 40’s, meetings as well as drawing and painting classes were held in the Mountain States Power Company building, later moved to City Hall and then to the old Golden Rule Store, to other storefronts around town and even up in Bear Trap Meadow on Casper Mountain. Fees for models skyrocketed to $1.00 - $1.50 per evening.

Guild members continued to meet in temporary locations until 1979, when the group was given the opportunity to lease the old Fire Station No. 2 at 1028 West 15th Street from the City for $25 a year. This move prompted the members to apply for and be granted legal nonprofit status by the IRS. The CAG and West Wind Gallery coexisted for over 30 years in that renovated facility, which was purchased outright by the group in the mid-1990’s.

Once the group had a permanent home, real growth could take place. Membership numbers increased to over 100 at one point and a few 3-4 day workshops taught by nationally known artists were offered. Major shows like the International Miniature Show and a Western & Wildlife Show were launched. ART 321 hosted the 23rd annual International Miniature Show in 2017.

Trace the history of the Casper Artists’ Guild with Valerie Innella Maiers, Ph.D thought the 20’s and 40’s as she takes a look back at the artists and events of the past.

Since only limited pieces of this history survive in print, please help us further construct the story. As a member of ART 321, you are an important part of this organization, weaving the tapestry of this narrative for future artists. Please share your knowledge, history, and any edits that should be made specifically to the 1920’s. Your engagement is appreciated.